The first weekend of college football is finally upon us. Week 0 brings us an intriguing slate of games, including one big-time Big 12 matchup in Dublin, Ireland. Despite only one top-25 team in action, college football is back in our lives, and we will enjoy every second of it.

The headliner this week features a Big 12 team in Ireland, with Bill Belichick's North Carolina Tar Heels facing Sonny Dykes' TCU Horned Frogs. The two teams met last year to open the season, and the Tar Heels will be looking for some payback.

Other intriguing games include NC State vs. Virginia, Hawaii vs. Stanford, and the lone top-25 team in action, No. 14 UCS hosting San Jose State.

Here is a look at this week's staff picks for the lone Big 12 game on the Week 0 schedule and a few other matchups.

All times are listed in Mountain Time and are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29.

TCU vs. North Carolina (Dublin, Ireland)

Sep 20, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs head coach Sonny Dykes reacts to a penalty during the first half against the SMU Mustangs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

10 a.m., ESPN/Disney+

James: TCU

I am excited to see TCU's new quarterback, Jaden Craig. I think he is in for a really good debut.

Charlie: TCU

I agree that I am excited to see Jaden Craig, but I am equally interested in seeing how Belichick's team has improved over the offseason. Last year's opener against the Horned Frogs started well with a beautiful touchdown drive, but went downhill from there. I am always a fan of the Dublin kickoff game, so sign me up.

No. 14 USC vs. San Jose State

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

1 p.m., NBC

James: USC

Charlie: USC

Yes, USC is nearly a 40-point favorite, but I am excited for this game. San Jose State is a feisty Group of Six program, and with many top-tier Mountain West programs moving to the Pac-12, I think the Spartans could challenge for the conference title. That title challenge, however, likely begins with a tough loss against the Trojans.

Virginia vs. NC State

Dec 27, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Elliott looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Missouri Tigers at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images

1:30 p.m., ESPN

James: Virginia

Charlie: Virginia

Honestly, this is my favorite matchup of the weekend. I love the two quarterbacks in this game: Virginia's Beau Pribula and NC State's C.J. Bailey. I expect a tight, well-played game, but the Cavaliers' home-field advantage is enough to put them over the edge.

Stanford vs. Hawaii

Nov 29, 2025; Stanford, California, USA; General view of the players for Stanford Cardinal after losing to Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

5 p.m., ACC Network

James: Stanford

Charlie: Stanford

Hawaii actually beat Stanford last season at home, but the Cardinal are much improved under second-year general manager Andrew Luck and first-year head coach Tavita Pritchard. Former Michigan quarterback Davis Warren leads Stanford to a win to open up Pritchard's head coaching career.

Florida State vs. New Mexico State

Nov 29, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell gestures against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

5 p.m., CW

James: Florida State

Charlie: Florida State

Make no mistake about it, FSU could lose this game, but I think they are past their previous early-season woes.

UNLV vs. Memphis

Dec 23, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; UNLV Rebels head coach Dan Mullen on the field during the first half against the Ohio Bobcats at the Ford Center at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

8 p.m., Fox

James: UNLV

Charlie: UNLV

A great Group of Six matchup, but UNLV, in my mind, is a step above Memphis.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Expert picks and predictions for college football's Week 0 slate

Source: Yahoo Sports